Fleewinter

The Hotel by the Red Canal is an oasis of tropical greenery and calming water features which feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Its friendly staff are guaranteed to give visitors a warm welcome.

The hotel's 26 rooms are divided into four types which take their names from the four major ethnic groups of Mayanmar: Chin, Kachin, Rakhine, and Shan. Each room is tastefully decorated to reflect the traditions and culture of the ethnicity it represents.

Guests staying in double Chin rooms, which face a waterfall and stream, can enjoy a welcome massage on arrival and their own private balcony. Shan rooms are above the Chin rooms with a balcony, offering a little more light. Kachin rooms feature a special outdoor stone shower to allow guests to hop out of bed and straight into nature, while those staying in the spacious Rakhine rooms can sleep soundly on an ornate brass bed.

It is hard to identify a 'favourite' room here - all are exquisitely decorated but it is fair to say they are all a little on the small side. The Kachin rooms are some of the lightest in the resort, while the Rakhine rooms are the largest but lack an outdoor balcony or terrace.

The Prana Spa is a therapeutic sanctuary built from traditional rural methods, which gives it a rustic feel. Unwind with a massage or enjoy one of the many holistic treatments on offer. The beauty spa offers facials and pampering, while the hotel gym is ideal for a holiday workout.

The Spice Garden restaurant has an elegant wooden interior giving pretty pool and greenery views, and includes European, Indian, Myanmar and Chinese cuisine on its menu. Despite its wide range of offerings, the eatery is proud to specialise in Indian-Myanmar cuisine and is the only restaurant in Mandalay to do so. Rotis, Biryanis, and delicately spiced curries are popular choices but guests with a sweet-tooth will be more than satisfied with the range of traditional desserts. Cookery classes are also available for aspiring chefs.

Guests can unwind with a drink or hot and iced teas at the Canopy Bar, which also offers private spots for business travellers to have meetings in private.

Despite the hotel's secluded feel, Mandalay Palace is a mere five-minute drive away, with Mandalay Hill and Zegyo Market just fifteen. Car rental is available.